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Masterworks by Archimede Seguso

This model illustrated in the Archimede Seguso Archive

The superior craftsmanship of Archimede Seguso is unrivaled in the history of 20th century Murano glass. Designing and blowing his own work, Seguso created new techniques based on the most difficult and elegant methods present in the traditional Murano oeuvre. His complex and ingenious use of Filligrana threads, subtle layering and manipulation of glass canes, shards, fragments and powdered pigments, and the use of novel organic shapes and forms all distinguish him as a virtuoso artist of the highest order.

The pieces presented here represent Seguso at his very best and are indeed masterworks.

Seguso’s decision to establish his own firm in 1946 and work independently represents a watershed moment in the history of modern glassblowing. This new model of solo artist working at a small, nonindustrial furnace became the fundamental precept of the studio art glass movement.

The pieces presented here represent Seguso at his very best and are indeed masterworks. Produced in very small numbers, these examples all exceptionally rare.

During his long life Archimede Seguso worked in many of Murano’s most important glasshouses, but he would ultimately become famous for establishing and operating his own.

At a young age Seguso became an apprentice at the Vetreria Artistica Barovier where his father was a partner. In 1933 he became a founding member and principal master blower of the Barovier Seguso Ferro firm, which would become Seguso Vetri d’Arte in 1937. Here he collaborated extensively with the young designer Flavio Poli and earned a reputation as one of the greatest master blowers on the island.

In 1946 he established his own workshop, Veteria Archimede Seguso, where he served as both designer and master blower, personally executing almost every piece produced there for more than 40 years. During this time he developed many innovative glass designs that employed complex ancient techniques, such as Filigrana and successfully re-imagined them to suit post-war tastes.